Optical waveguide module with fiber coupling

Abstract

To improve the stability and optical transmission properties of an optical waveguide module (1), a fillet-shaped supporting body (12, 13, 13') is used to hold the end (15) of a fiber, particularly of a polarization-maintaining fiber. The top side of the supporting body contains a groove (14) which extends in the direction of the body's longitudinal axis and in which the fiber end (15) is completely sunk and embedded in adhesive. After proper alignment, polished end faces of the fiber and the supporting body (12, 13, 13') are attached to the substrate (2) with adhesive.

We claim: 
     
       1. In an integrated optical waveguide module with fiber coupling including a substrate which supports at least one integrated optical waveguide whose ends are each optically coupled, at two sides of the substrate, to one end of a respective optical fiber fixed in the groove of a respective holder attached, after adjustment, to the substrate; the improvement wherein: each holder is a fillet-shaped supporting body having a respective said groove on its top side which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the supporting body; the fiber end of each respective optical fiber is free of a primary coating and an outer jacket and is completely sunk and embedded in adhesive in a respective said groove; and each of said fiber end and each said supporting body is formed of quartz glass. 
     
     
       2. An integrated optical waveguide module with fiber coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein each fillet-shaped supporting body has a coefficient of expansion matched to that of the end of the respective optical fiber. 
     
     
       3. An integrated optical waveguide module with fiber coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said groove in the supporting body is located centrically. 
     
     
       4. An integrated optical waveguide module with fiber coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein: two optical waveguides are disposed on the substrate and end close to one another at one side of the substrate; and, the grooves in the respective two supporting bodies adjacent said one side extend parallel and close to outside edges of those long sides of the said two supporting bodies which face each other.